SNORKELING · PORT DOUGLAS
The good port douglas snorkeling tours fill up weeks ahead and the small boats go first. Below: the 11 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Start at 8:00 am from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina for a 7-hour-15-minute outer reef safari. ABC keeps groups small, supplies gear and lunch, and pairs you with marine biologist guides such as Zoe, Will, Paula, Sam, or Callum for guided snorkeling and optional first-time scuba.
“An excellent trip to the outer reef with two marine biologists and just a handful of snorkelers. Would give 6 stars if I could.”
Take a fast catamaran from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef for about 3.5 hours of snorkeling, semi-submarine viewing, and an underwater observatory. Equipment, reef talks, tea, and buffet lunch are included. Optional extras include guided snorkeling, scuba, Ocean Walker, and a helicopter flight.
“Great experience! They handle couple hundred people pretty well. Safety was of upmost importance. Need to plan ahead on the time that you have on the platform. We enjoyed it immensely.”
Spend eight hours aboard Wavelength from Port Douglas, visiting three Outer Reef sites with marine biologists, guided snorkels, reef talks, meals, and free photos. You’ll need to swim 50 metres unaided, but the crew gives beginners patient instruction and plenty of time in the water.
“Amazing time in this snorkelling except the weather was rainy and a bit overcast, but the guides were really sweet especially Kaia, made me feel comfortable, I had some nerves. The reefs are beautiful and adventurous ofcourse, we were served tea, coffee, water, cookies and sandwiches for lunch. Must try ! Would recommend 5/5. Incredible ✨🥰the staff are very friendly and welcoming.”
Sailaway takes you from Port Douglas to Low Isles aboard a 33-passenger catamaran. Snorkel with a marine biologist, ride the EV Discovery glass-bottom boat, walk to the 1878 lighthouse, and enjoy buffet lunch, morning tea, and afternoon tea during a relaxed 7.5-hour reef day.
“Lots of free time to snorkel, beautiful reef, super friendly and helpful crew! Included a relaxing ride out to Low Island and a little walk around the island where we got some history about the national park!”
Sail from Port Douglas to the Low Isles aboard Calypso XI, a 23-passenger glass-bottom boat. You get guided snorkeling, a calm lagoon, island time, reef viewing, turtles, birdlife, muffins, fruit, tea, and coffee. Prescription masks, flotation aids, and Lycra suits are available.
“Excellent staff made sure your trip was as good as it could be very informative the snorkelling was amazing 5 turtle’s expected more coral and fish but hopefully more on main reef. Had a lovely morning and being the first boat there was special only downside was the glass bottom boat tour my wife went on didn’t see much. cheers everyone.”
Travel from Port Douglas to three Outer Great Barrier Reef sites at Opal or Agincourt Reefs. You’ll get snorkel gear, guided water time, reef talks, lunch, and tea breaks, with optional scuba sessions and instructors such as Ruth, Reenie, or Delphine helping first-timers.
“Amazing trip. The staff are outstanding and made the day special from beginning to end. We were very lucky to dive with Reenie who was the absolute best! She made my partner feel calm on her first dive and checked on us the whole trip. Can’t recommend the team highly enough!”
Set sail from Port Douglas at 7:30 am for Mackay Cay and the northern Great Barrier Reef. You’ll snorkel with a marine biologist, view coral from a glass-bottom boat, visit a coral cay, and enjoy a buffet lunch aboard Sailaway’s comfortable catamaran. Guides such as Barry help identify fish, turtles, and giant clams.
“Had a great time snorkeling for the 1st time!! The crew was awesome! They made sure everyone had a great time & stayed safe. Didn’t have time to ask Isaac if he was single though :D”
Take a 4-hour Calypso Reef Charters trip from Port Douglas to the sheltered Low Isles lagoon. Snorkel with supplied gear, join a glass-bottom boat ride, or walk the island. Crew members such as Kate, Rene, Roman, Taylor, and Darcy have helped nervous swimmers and families enjoy the reef.
“Truly wonderful experience. Loved the glass bottom boat tour with knowledgeable interpretation and plenty of free time to snorkel off the beach. Crew were outstanding. Great diversity of fish and inner reef coral , and turtles, and baby reef sharks. Snacks provided at end was a great way to finish. Early start meant not too hot”
Sailaway takes adults and teens 13 and over from Port Douglas to the Low Isles on a small catamaran limited to 33 people. Snorkel with a marine guide, use the glass-bottom boat, or relax ashore, then enjoy afternoon tea and sunset sailing back.
“Absolutely fantastic! Sailing on the catamaran was the most amazing experience and the folks that looked after us, Liam (skipper) Lauren, she was was so full of information, Erin, hospitality plus and a snorkelling legend, ensured we had the most amazing experience of our lives! We will never forget this trip!”
Spend a full day aboard Quicksilver’s 29-meter Silversonic catamaran, traveling from Port Douglas to three Agincourt Ribbon Reef sites. Snorkeling, meals, wetsuits, a guided tour, and safety staff are included. Scuba options cost extra, and dwarf Minke whale encounters are possible from July to September.
“I thought with the rough seas that it wouldn't be any good but the trip was fine and the guides great and the snorkeling was excellent. great food and snacks. Couldn't fault it. thanks heaps”
Ride 15 minutes from Port Douglas to Low Isles Reef aboard a Reef Sprinter speedboat, then snorkel for about 90 minutes from the boat. Groups are capped at 14, gear and wetsuits are supplied, and guide Matt has helped guests spot turtles, fish, and reef life.
“Great snorkeling experience. Staff was great quick ride to snorkeling area. Good snorkeling experience.”
By the animal, the hull, or the kind of coast.
